No one needs to know! Medical abortion: Secrecy, shame, and emotional distancing

Abstract

In 2021, 10,841 abortions were carried out in Norway, of which 95.3% were medical abortions. In this phenomenological study, we explore women’s experiences connected to performing a medical abortion at home. We conducted 22 interviews and analyzed the data using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Our analysis revealed four crucial constituents: The logical and sensible choice—doubt beneath the surface; Secrecy and the dubious comfort of hidden shame; Emotional distancing as a coping strategy; and Moving on—and revisiting the meaning of the abortion. We discuss and reflect on these findings drawing on insights from existential phenomenology and contemporary research.